The root of suffering is resisting the certainty that no matter what the circumstances, uncertainty is all we truly have.

The essence of mind is empty like space; yet it contains all things, like a mirror.

The door of your heart can only be opened from the inside.

Whatever we do, we should see ourselves. Reading books doesn't show us our defilements. Watch yourself. Watch your mind.

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

The stages of insight unfold naturally when mindfulness is continuous. There is no need to desire them or try to make them happen.

Wherever you are, you are one with the clouds and one with the sun and the stars you see. You are one with everything. That is more true than I can say, and more true than you can hear.

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

The movement of love is what creates the beauty in our lives.

Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.

The practice of vipassana is the study of the self. When you study physical and mental phenomena, you are studying the truth about yourself.

Generosity generates its own enthusiasm. We don't have to force ourselves to be generous; we just need to start.

The practice of mindfulness is the practice of being alive in the present moment.

Right practice is steady practice. Whether you feel lazy or diligent, just keep practicing.

The true hero is one who conquers his own anger and hatred.

The source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another person's suffering and bring that person joy.

The practice is like peeling an onion. Layer after layer of delusion is removed through continuous mindfulness.

To forget the self is to be actualized by myriad things.

When you listen to someone, you should give up all your preconceived ideas and your subjective opinions.

The practice of ethics is not about following rules but about developing inner purity and freedom.

This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.

The purpose of our lives is to be happy.

Many people think excitement is happiness... But when you are excited you are not peaceful. True happiness is based on peace.

The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else's highlight reel.

Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

Anxiety and excitement are the same emotion. The only difference is our attitude toward the experience.

When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.

The treasure house within you contains everything, and you are free to use it. You don't need to seek outside.

To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don't need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.

Rejoicing in ordinary things is not sentimental or trite. It actually takes guts.

Peace is within oneself to be found in the same place as agitation and suffering. It is not found in a forest or on a hilltop, nor is it given by a teacher.

Better to have one moment of genuine meditation than to perform religious activities for a thousand years.